Photo: Messenger
Arrangements are underway to fill the century-old Kalmi pond, located adjacent to the Meherchandi bypass on the northern side of Rajshahi University, despite a court ban on such activities. Environmentalists have expressed concern after approximately one-eighth of the pond was filled with sand overnight by trucks.
Locals have identified the pond's owner as Golam Mawla of Natore, although it is currently maintained and used for fish farming by local resident Shamser Ali, who has a lease agreement. Shefali Begum, Shamser Ali's wife, stated that there are still three years left on the lease, but they were suddenly informed that the pond had been sold. Locals attempted to stop the filling of the pond at night but question whether they can ultimately stand against the powerful interests involved.
In 2010, Mahabub Siddiqui, president of Heritage Rajshahi, filed a writ petition in the High Court regarding the filling and encroachment of ponds in Rajshahi. This was followed by another writ petition in 2014 by senior lawyer Manzil Morshed on behalf of 'Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh.' As a result, the Boalia Bhmi Office of City Corporation enumerated the ponds of Rajshahi metropolis, listing 952 ponds, including 48 government ponds. Out of these, 9 were filled legally and 8 illegally. The remaining ponds are privately owned, and their condition is also precarious.
The High Court ordered the preservation of the ponds of Rajshahi metropolis on August 8, 2023. This order was given to the Mayor of Rajshahi City Corporation, Department of Environment, Deputy Commissioner, and RAB.
Tanmoy Kumar Sanyal, Rajshahi and Rangpur Divisional Coordinator of Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA), highlighted the legal framework in Bangladesh that prohibits the filling of ponds or reservoirs in urban areas without proper authorization. He expressed frustration that despite these laws, ponds are being filled, with 97% of ponds in Rajshahi city filled in the last decade. Sanyal questioned the effectiveness of the existing laws and court orders.
Sources indicate that many ponds in Rajshahi metropolis have been filled in the last year, including a one-bigha pond near Rasik's former councilor Kudduch's house and a 'Jebar Meer Pond' behind the fruit research center in the city's Mohanpur area, which is listed as a protected pond. The Shiroil pond in Shiroil Colony and the huge pond near Court College have also been filled.
Chief Engineer of Rajshahi City Corporation, Noor Islam, acknowledged the filling of ponds and admitted that they cannot be stopped, as many private ponds are being sold. He mentioned a project to protect the ponds that was submitted to the ministry in 2019 but was not approved. Islam suggested that buying private ponds for conservation might be the only solution.
Rajshahi Deputy Commissioner Shamim Ahmed stated that they are taking measures upon receiving news of pond filling incidents. He acknowledged the challenge of enforcing a ban during the night, but actions are being taken as soon as information is received.
Messenger/Faria
